A cashier employed by Mukuru Money Transfers has been convicted of misappropriating thousands of dollars entrusted to her for customer cash disbursements after diverting the funds to establish a business in Gokwe.
Masciline Chihambakwe (27), who worked for Send Money Home (Pvt) Ltd trading as Mukuru Money Transfers at Chireya Business Centre, was convicted by the Gokwe Magistrates’ Court after admitting to unlawfully converting company funds to her personal use.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ), Chihambakwe was entrusted with company cash floats and additional cash consignments between November 28 and December 11, 2025, to facilitate money transfer transactions.
A routine spot check conducted on November 28 confirmed she was holding a cash float of US$8,599 and R4,300. During the following days, she received additional cash deliveries totalling US$25,000 and R5,000 from Safeguard Security Company.
“Instead of using the funds for their intended purpose, the offender diverted the money for personal benefit,” the NPAZ said in a statement issued on Wednesday.
The theft came to light after the company’s Midlands Regional Manager conducted a spot check on December 11, 2025, which revealed a substantial cash shortfall and triggered an investigation.
Following her arrest, Chihambakwe led police to a shop she had opened at Chireya Business Centre using part of the stolen funds.
Investigators recovered merchandise worth about US$2,500 from the shop.
The court heard that the company suffered losses amounting to US$15,795 and R4,300.
The magistrates’ court sentenced Chihambakwe to nine years’ imprisonment.
However, six months of the sentence were suspended for five years on the usual conditions of good behaviour, while the remaining eight years and six months were suspended on condition that she pays restitution of US$15,795 and R4,300 to the victim forthwith.
